ASLEF calls for active safety measures at level crossings

"HSE have found no evidence to suggest that there were any errors by railway staff or faults with the level crossing, the signalling system or the train involved in the incident."

"This confirms our view that additional active safety measures are needed at level crossings to ensure that either automatic or driver operated braking is triggered if obstacles remain on the line."

"ASLEF urges the government and Network Rail to take immediate steps to review new developments in level crossing safety and secure industry wide co-operation to ensure the early installation of such measures."

A standard AHB crossing such as Ufton Nervet is protected by road traffic light signals and a lifting half-barrier on both sides of the track. Its operation is triggered by an approaching train at the "strike in point¹ (1743 metres before the crossing). This gives road traffic or pedestrians 27 seconds to leave the crossing. The exit lane is without a barrier.